The Mind/Body Connection: Deep Breathing and Simple Meditation

Program Objectives After this presentation, you will be able to:  Understand and learn methods to reduce stress  Practice the exercises that we learn  Describe the causes and effects of stress

The Mind/Body Connection What Does It Mean For You? Your body responds to the way you think feel act

Stress There are many things that cause stress.

A CTIVITY : W HAT S TRESSES Y OU O UT ? Recognizing your stressors will make it easier to control your stress level

Deep breathing may be able to reduce stress It can be done almost anywhere at anytime Deep Breathing

Deep Breathing May Help with: symptoms of menopause including sleeplessness and hot flashes cancer treatment side effects pain control anxiety disorder symptoms stress management quitting smoking

Deep Breathing Exercise 1: Breaths Awareness

Deep Breathing Exercise 2: Deep Breathing With Arm Movement

Deep Breathing Exercise 3: 4-7-8

Four Common Elements of Meditation: Quiet location Specific, comfortable posture Focus of attention Open attitude

Meditation Meditation may produce  Greater calmness  Physical relaxation  Psychological (mind/body) balance

Meditation Can Help With Various Health Problems  Anxiety  Pain  Depression  Stress  Sleeplessness Meditation is also helpful for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Meditation Exercise 1: M INDFUL C HECK -I N A Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Meditation

Meditation Exercise 2: Progressive Relaxation

References: Administration of Aging (2006). A matter of balance: Managing concerns about falls, volunteer lay leader model (Handout3.2). Portland, ME: MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy Aging. American Cancer Society (2008). Meditation. Retrieved on September 24, 2010 from American Heart Association. (2011). Exercise (physical activity) for older people and those with disabilities. Retrieved on January 31, from Burnham, D. (2004) Calming the storms: your body’s response to stress (HEELDB.804a). University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved on January 24, 2010 from Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) Stress and emotions. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from: Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.) What is stress? Retrieved October 8, 2010 from: Convertino, V., et al (1996). Exercise and fluid replacement. Retrieved on September 26, 2010 from Goldstein, E; Stahl, B.; (2010) A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook. New Harbringer Publications, Inc. Oakland, CA. Mitchell, T. (n.d.) Breathing for health: breathwork and breath control. Retrieved October 1, 2010 from well.org/articles/pdf/BreathingMethods.pdfhttp:// well.org/articles/pdf/BreathingMethods.pdf National Cancer Institute. (2010). Other ways to control pain. Retrieved on September 24, 2010 from

References continued: American College of Sports Medicine position stand. The recommended quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and flexibility in healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc Jun; 30(6): Retrieved September 1, 2010 from National Institutes of Health. (n.d.) Ergonomics for Computer Workstations. Retrieved on October 13, 2010 from: National Institutes of Health. (2008) How to improve your flexibility. Retrieved September 1, 2010 from National Institutes of Health. (2010). Mediation: an introduction. Retrieved September 24, 2010 from National Institutes of Health. (2010). What can be done for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms? Retrieved on September 24, 2010 from National Institutes of Health. (2010). What is complementary and alternative medicine? Retrieved on September 1, 2010 from Quick, S. (1997). Breathing away stress (FAM-QS.107) University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved October 13, 2010 from Quinn, E. (2008). PAR-Q: the physical activity readiness questionnaire. Retrieved on October 26, 2010 from Rice, L. (2006). Health back habits: posture and position (HEEL-LR.921). University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved on January 23, 2010 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008) 2008 physical activity guidelines for Americans. Retrieved on January 25, 2011 from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). Stay active and be fit. Retrieved on October 13, 2010 from Weil Lifestyles. (2011). Three breathing exercises. Retrieved October 10, 2010 from

Lynn Blankenship, BS, MAE Metcalfe County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Nicole Peritore, MS Extension Coordinator for Get Moving Kentucky June 2011 Copyright © date for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include his copyright notice. Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. Graphics: Microsoft Word